Chapter 4 The call

The newsroom was its usual hive of activity. Journalists bustled about, phones ringing incessantly as stories unfolded in real-time. Emma sat at her desk, her fingers poised over her keyboard, but her mind was far from the article she was supposed to be editing. Instead, she found herself replaying every moment of the grueling interview at Cross Enterprises.

She had done her best to maintain her composure during the interrogation, but now, the nerves were starting to creep in. Did she say enough? Were her answers convincing? She had faced tough interview panels before, but this one had been different. There was a weight to it, a sense of walking into the lion's den.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a colleague, Janet, who plopped a thick folder onto her desk. "You look like you're a million miles away. What's going on?"

Emma shook her head and forced a small smile. "Just thinking about something personal. Nothing major."

Janet raised an eyebrow but didn't push further. "Well, don't overthink it. Whatever it is, you'll figure it out." She tapped the folder. "Also, your next assignment. Deadline's tomorrow, as always."

Emma nodded, mumbling a quick thanks, and Janet walked off. But even with the new assignment looming, her thoughts refused to leave the interview. The stakes were too high. This wasn't just about landing a job, it was about taking the first real step toward uncovering the truth.

That evening, she made her way home, her mind still spinning. As she stepped through the door of her modest apartment, her father's voice greeted her.

"Emma, you're late," Aaron Blake said, peering over his glasses from the worn-out armchair in the living room.

"Sorry, Dad. Long day at work," she replied, dropping her bag by the door. She hesitated for a moment before adding, "I went for an interview today."

Her father's expression shifted, his brow furrowing in confusion. "An interview? For what?"

Emma sank into the couch, her voice steady but tinged with determination. "It's for a job at Cross Enterprises. As Damian Cross's personal assistant."

Aaron froze. His eyes widened slightly before narrowing, a flicker of fear flashing across his face. "Emma, why would you do that? What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking about clearing our name, Dad," Emma said firmly. "You've always told me how the Cross family destroyed everything for us. This is my chance to get close to them, to uncover the truth, and maybe even get some justice."

Her father leaned forward, his hands gripping the armrests of his chair. "Justice? Emma, you have no idea what you're getting yourself into. That family... they're dangerous. You shouldn't be anywhere near them."

The fear in his voice caught her off guard. He wasn't angry, he was terrified. But why? Shouldn't he be relieved that she was finally taking steps to right the wrongs done to their family?

"Dad, you're the one who's always said we deserved better," she pressed. "You've spent years telling me how they ruined us. Why are you so scared now that I'm trying to make things right?"

Aaron's gaze dropped to the floor, his jaw tightening. "Just... promise me you'll be careful, Emma. Promise me you won't do anything reckless."

She frowned but nodded. "I'll be careful. But I'm not backing down from this."

The conversation lingered in her mind long after she left the room. Something about her father's reaction didn't sit right with her. Why was he so reluctant? Was there more to the story than he had told her?

The next morning, Emma was at her desk again, half-heartedly typing out an article, when her phone buzzed. The number on the screen was unfamiliar, but she answered it quickly.

"Hello?"

"Good morning. Am I speaking with Alexandra Collins?" a crisp voice asked.

Emma's heart skipped a beat. "Yes, this is she."

"This is Rebecca Andrews from Cross Enterprises. I'm calling to inform you that you've been selected for the position of Mr. Damian Cross's personal assistant."

For a moment, Emma couldn't speak. The words hung in the air, surreal and almost too good to be true. She swallowed hard before replying. "Oh... thank you. Thank you so much for the opportunity."

"You're welcome. Please note that you'll need to begin immediately, as Mr. Cross's current assistant is going on leave soon and will need to train you beforehand. Can you start next Monday?"

"Yes, absolutely," Emma said, trying to keep the excitement out of her voice.

"Great. We'll send you an email with all the details shortly. Congratulations again, Miss Collins."

The call ended, and Emma sat frozen for a moment, staring at her phone. She had done it. She was in.

Her mind raced as she thought about her next steps. This was it. the opportunity she had been waiting for. She would finally have access to Damian Cross and his world. She could start putting her plan in motion.

By the time she got home that evening, her excitement was barely contained. She paced the small living room, going over her strategy in her head. She could feel the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

"This is it, Dad," she said, standing in front of Aaron. "This is my chance to fix everything."

Aaron looked up at her, his expression a mixture of pride and worry. "Just remember, Emma. Be careful. These people... they're not like us."

Emma nodded, but her resolve was unshaken. She was ready. It was time to step into the lion's den.